Should I disinfect all nail brushes?

Question

Should we disinfect nail/gel polish brushes? What about brushes for nail enhancements?

Answer

Organisms that cause infections need food and water to survive or grow. Nail polishes, base coats and top coats do not contain food or water. In this harsh environment, the “germs” die quickly. The same is true for enhancement nail products such as liquid & powder systems and UV gels. Infections are not likely to be spread by either type of brush. Therefore, there is no need to disinfect these nail brushes.

Recent studies have shown that bacteria will die almost as quickly as they come in contact with nail polish. However, this assumes the product is applied to nails that appear healthy. If there is any sign of an active infection, nail pros should not apply any product nor should they perform any services. If a polish or enhancement brush is accidentally touched to a visibly infected nail, it should be properly discarded in the trash. It is extremely important to remember that nail professionals should NEVER apply product to nails that do not appear to be healthy.